dsmx wrote:
I don't think pirelli will mind, because this only happens because they aren't allowed to test the tires properly. Every failure that happens just underlines the issues with banning testing.

Hamilton said it best though. They "helped" Pirelli so as to avoid this sort of bullshit.

The main problem here though is that Lotus (etc) were allowed to veto the new stronger (safer) tyres.

dsmx wrote:
I don't think pirelli will mind, because this only happens because they aren't allowed to test the tires properly. Every failure that happens just underlines the issues with banning testing.

Yeah, it certainly validates the Mercedes test. They were testing modified tyres for a reason.

The stresses those tires are under is astonishing and they will be under even more stress next season with the return of turbos bringing about a jump in torque and power. Pirelli need to be able to test tires properly and for whatever reason teams aren't letting them.

"If we hit that bullseye the rest of the dominoes will fall like a a house of cards, checkmate." Zapp Brannigan

That view from Raikkonen's car was terrible when Vergne's tyre went to strips. The amount of carbon-fibre in the air!

I don't know why Pirreli's tyres are failing, but it's clearly their problem to fix. Ordering drivers to stay off the kerbs will be a crap fix for this problem. Martin Whitmarsh has just mentioned Spa on the forum - that could be a shocker if tyres fail. Cars not using kerb at Spa would definitely be crap.

Have to say it made the race a bit more entertaining when the safety cars came out. A great end there - shame Webber couldn't grab a last-gasp win. Some fantastic drives out there. Massa's start was incredible, and his race was so good. Good drive from Ricciardo too.

Back home after an awesome weekend. So so disappointing for Lewis, you really felt the pain in the crowd. But one hell of a drive though the field - he really is undeniably first class. Di Resta did a good job at defending, but I can't help but think LH could have made the podium without it.

That's racing, though. Bring on Germany, and Silverstone 2014 - tickets at 15% off until Friday!

Sounds like a cracking weekend. TV doesn't do the crowd justice really, except when EJ & co go wandering and the crowd get noisy. They love Lewis. I notice from TV that the entrance to the drivers paddock as got railings to stop drivers getting mobbed by fans - that's a bit of a shame. It's always nice to get really close and maybe get a photo with these people.

Did you camp, or are you close enough to drive? What was traffic like this time? Dreadful last year.

Germany for us next weekend. Not been to the Nurburgring before, so not sure what to expect. Whoever took the Google pictures appears to have taken them on a race weekend, judging by the tents and cars. Just look at the route of the old circuit - people camp all along it!

I remember on my last visit in '99 there was a big cheer when Schumacher had that big leg breaking crash that year.

I just drove on the day. It's only about 90 mins or so away.
I was quite surprised by the traffic as it wasn't too bad at all and only slowed down literally on the approach to the car parks.
Rather slower coming home though.

TheSaint wrote:
bookf1.com are also quite good, but they won't have the early bird offers that you'll get on the Silverstone site.

I'm sure testing could improve performance but surely you'd hope that a company like Pirelli could still make tyres that could do thirty or so laps under race conditions without failing?

They can. The problem is the FIA and Bernie have told them to make tyres that last less than that yet give them NO testing time. Why do you think they did "secret" testing with Merc? Because they need it.

At least next year there is an agreement for some in season testing.

If the FIA/Bernie want to have a minimum 3 stops in a race, put it in the rules and make tyres that last a race length. Sorted. Drivers can push like mad the entire time yet everyone has to stop 3 times. simples.

They're not up yet, will be getting hem as soon as they are. Tomorrow most likely. You could buy them there this weekend, though. Will probably go back to Stowe A - saw plenty of action down there. Plus it's great getting an allocated seat rather than standing by the fences with, as my mate affectionately calls them "the great unwashed"!

I live in a village on the Silverstone side of Northampton, so it's perfect for driving. We normally get one of our wives to drop off an pick up at the park and ride down the road so we can get on the beers.

Walking down to see the interviews on the podium was ace, and being one of the people getting told off by a BBC producer for making too much noise ("Eddie...Eddie...Eddie") by the fence while they were working!

Such a brilliant atmosphere - so much love for the British drivers. Cannot recommend it enough. I may also try and get photos up, but they're not going to be great I would imagine.